Sotto wants institutionalized rules for absentee senators

SOTTO. Senator Tito Sotto speaks during the plenary session on May 12, 2026.

Senate Social Media Unit

'There is a policy gap as regards the possible sanction on a member of the Senate with prolonged unauthorized absence rendering them unable to participate in major legislative functions,' the senator says in his proposed resolution

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III has filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 751, seeking clear and institutionalized rules on absenteeism in the upper chamber, amid the prolonged absence of some senators.

Sotto, chairperson of the Senate committee on ethics, cited previous complaints that were referred to his committee, saying there is no provision in the Senate rules on how to resolve the issue. 

“There is a policy gap as regards the possible sanction on a member of the Senate with prolonged unauthorized absence rendering them unable to participate in major legislative functions,” the proposed resolution reads.

Under the proposed resolution, Sotto also wants to revisit the rules and “study the best possible approach as regards the issue of prolonged unauthorized absence of senators with the view of ensuring highest standards of public service commensurate to the trust reposed by the electorate.” 

“Now, therefore, be it resolved, as it hereby resolved by the Senate of the Philippines, to recommend before the Committee on Rules to institutionalize addressing the prolonged unauthorized absence of members of the Senate,” it added. 

At least two senators have been absent from their legislative duties as well as their duties as senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte: senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Loren Legarda.

Dela Rosa has been out of public view due to a pending International Criminal Court warrant of arrest against him while Legarda is under extended medical leave abroad due to a lung illness. – Rappler.com